Former Giant LB Antonio Pierce Lands Full-time Raiders Coaching Gig

Former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, who helped the team win a Super Bowl championship in 2007, will become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after being named interim head coach mid-way through last season following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels.

I̶n̶t̶e̶r̶i̶m̶ Head Coach Antonio Pierce#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/HV8UWF8pH2
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 20, 2024

Pierce, who was on the Raiders defensive staff, led the Raiders to a 5-4 mark as their interim head coach. The Raiders finished 8-9 and in second place in the AFC West, a stunning turnaround following the team's struggles under McDaniels.

Pierce became a popular figure among his players, just as he was when he was the defensive co-captain for the Giants. While with the Giants, with whom he signed as a free agent following the first four years of his career spent with the Washington Commanders, Pierce quickly became a favorite of then-Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who often lauded the former Arizona linebacker for his intelligence, instincts, and leadership.

Pierce was also a leader in the locker room, who famously orchestrated the Giants' all-black dress code for their arrival to Phoenix, Arizona, for Super Bowl XLII, where they would later go on to thwart the New England Patriots' attempt to become the first undefeated team in the league since the 1972 Dolphins. The Giants, down 7-3 at the half in that game, went on to outscore the Patriots 14-7 in the second half en route to a 17-14 triumph.

Pierce, who also drew head coaching interest from the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, was said to have drawn upon his experiences and relationships from his time with the Giants as he embarked on his interim head coaching role. That included consulting with Tom Coughlin, his head coach during the 2007 championship season, for advice on running the intricacies of a football program.

Ironically, the 45-year-old Pierce's first victory following his promotion from linebackers coach to interim head coach of the Raiders came against the Giants, a 30-6 defeat.

Pierce played nine seasons and earned one Pro Bowl berth in 2006 as a member of the Giants. The Giants were reportedly interested in speaking with Pierce for their vacant defensive coordinator role if the Raiders did not retain him and if he didn't have head coaching options.

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